Here’s a few good ideas I learned from Matt Myers on preparing clients for their kitchen renovation in Chicago:

1. Take everything out of your kitchen: dishes, silverware, food, etc. Don’t forget your pet can’t eat in restaurants – make sure you get their food and bowl sorted out.
2. If your pets have food or water bowls in the kitchen, move them elsewhere at least 7-10 days before the renovation is set to begin so that your pets will not wander into the work area once it starts.
3. Find out from your contractor when your kitchen will be out of commission and plan on eating at restaurants and friends and consider moving out to hotel.
4. Take a vacation but keep your cell phone on you in case there are some questions. 
5. You could also move the microwave and just have microwaveable meals for a few days, add a toaster, a
6. George Forman grill, a hot plate and a coffee maker and you may get used to cooking meals in your living room.

Here's a few I'll add:

1. There will be dust.  Put up a plastic barrier and make sure your contractor keeps his area as clean as possible.  The more dust barriers, the easier the final clean up.
2. Discuss where the workman will be going.  If they have to use a bathroom, make sure you have plastic down or a runner to get there.  Put a wet towel and a mat for them to clean their shoes on the way to the bathroom.  Have them make sure it’s being used and kept clean enough to be of use.   
3. Make sure that they understand your expectations regarding cleaning before signing the contract. 
4. Hire the cleaning crew to clean the rest of your house when construction ends.  There will likely be a think layer of dust everywhere.

Matt also warns not to push your contractor to work faster than he can on your kitchen renovation in Chicago.  Be ready for some slight delays because pushing them may result in errors which in long run will be far worse.